
Clinic Risk Assessments
COSHH - Sodium Hypochlorite Solution (Household Bleach)
COSHH RISK ASSESSMENT
Substance: Household Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite Solution)
Use: Disinfection and cleaning of toilets, sinks, and waste areas
Location: Clinical treatment room sink, staff toilet, and general utility areas
Assessor: Owen Dickinson
Date: 01st April 2025
Review Date: 01st April 2026 + 12 months or if procedures/products change
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Hazard Identification
Substance Name
Active Ingredient
Hazard Classification
Household Bleach
Sodium Hypochlorite (typically 3–5%)
Corrosive (C), Irritant (Xi), Dangerous to Aquatic Life
Hazard Statements (CLP):
• H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
• H400: Very toxic to aquatic life
• Reacts with acids to release chlorine gas (toxic inhalation risk)
2. Routes of Exposure
• Skin – burns or irritation upon contact
• Eyes – corrosive, risk of permanent damage
• Inhalation – of vapours, especially in confined, unventilated spaces
• Ingestion – harmful or fatal if swallowed
3. Who Might Be Harmed?
• Staff undertaking cleaning
• Aesthetics staff using the area after cleaning
• Clients (indirect risk if residues remain or fumes linger)
4. Control Measures
Area |
Control Measures |
---|---|
Storage |
- Store in original container with label intact- Keep in locked cleaning cupboard away from treatment areas- Do not store near acids or incompatible chemicals- Store upright and out of sunlight |
Handling/Use |
- Always dilute according to manufacturer’s instructions- Never mix with other chemicals, especially acids or ammonia- Wear PPE: gloves, apron, goggles for splash risk- Use only in well-ventilated areas |
Spill Management |
- Small spills: absorb with paper towel, rinse area- Ventilate and clean thoroughly- Large spills: restrict access, wear PPE, follow spill protocol |
Disposal |
- Small volumes: flush down drain with large volumes of water (in line with Water Authority guidance)- Empty containers: rinse and dispose in general waste if allowed, or as per local authority requirements |
Training |
- All staff using the product trained on dilution, handling, and emergency procedures- SDS readily accessible in COSHH file |
5. First Aid Measures
• Skin contact: Remove affected clothing, rinse skin thoroughly for 10–15 minutes
• Eye contact: Flush eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes, seek immediate medical help
• Inhalation: Move to fresh air, seek help if symptoms persist
• Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek urgent medical help
6. Emergency Procedures
• Ensure eye wash and clean water are easily accessible
• In case of toxic gas release (e.g., mixing bleach with acids), evacuate area and ventilate
• Report any incident using internal incident report system and externally under RIDDOR if necessary
7. Risk Rating (Post-Control)
Risk |
Likelihood |
Severity |
Residual Risk |
---|---|---|---|
Skin Burns |
Unlikely |
Moderate |
Low with PPE use |
Eye Damage |
Unlikely |
Severe |
Low |
Inhalation of Gas |
Very Unlikely |
Severe |
Very Low with controls |
Environmental Contamination |
Unlikely |
Moderate |
Low with proper disposal |
8. Monitoring and Review
• Annual COSHH review or upon change in product/supplier
• Regular audits of cleaning practice and PPE use
• Clear signage and access control for chemical storage